WTC-Winning Head Coach Gary Stead Takes Charge of Andhra for 2025–26

Gary Stead, who led New Zealand to victory in the 2021 World Test Championship, was unexpectedly hired as head coach by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA). Andhra's performance in the previous season was disappointing; they lost to Uttar Pradesh in the T20 Syed Mustaq Ali trophy pre-quarterfinal, finished fourth in a team tournament, and finished sixth in Ranji Trophy Elite group B with just one victory.

Within a week, Stead is anticipated to reach Visakhapatnam, where he will evaluate the team's chances and collaborate closely with the state selection committee on squad composition. Stead's work visa for India has already been granted, according to the article, and he is anticipated to formally assume leadership between September 20 and September 25. He also asked to spend a brief time at home for Christmas, which the ACA gladly granted.

Head Coach Gary Stead's New Venture:

Cricbuzz quoted ACA secretary Sana Sathish Babu saying, “We were initially looking at an Australian coach. Then a friend suggested, Why not try Gary? So we reached out to him, and right from the very first conversation, we were struck by his preparedness. He came to the meeting with a complete understanding of our team."

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Gary Stead as Head Coach of Andhra Cricket Association’s Men’s Senior Team. @BCCI

In a historic first, ACA has engaged an internationally renowned coach for Andhra players, underscoring our unwavering commitment to elevate AP… pic.twitter.com/z1qsr0T4mz

— Sana Sathish Babu (@sanasathishbabu) September 13, 2025

Stead led New Zealand for seven years, during which time he achieved great success. During his tenure, New Zealand made it to the 2019 World Cup final, where they barely lost to England on boundary count to win the trophy, and they also won the first WTC final against India at Southampton. During this time, the Kiwis also became the top team in both Test and ODI matches.

Stead was also in charge of New Zealand's incredible 2019 World Cup campaign, which saw them defeat India in the semifinals before tying England at Lord's in the final. Although England ultimately won the trophy on boundary count, Stead's leadership received a lot of recognition.

Rob Walter took over as head coach of New Zealand after he resigned in June 2024. The hiring of a coach with such a background gives Andhra new hope. The team will be counting on Stead's elite expertise to lead to a change in fortunes after placing fourth in their Vijay Hazare Trophy group and sixth in Ranji Trophy Elite Group B the previous season.

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